Myrtle Beach is a resort city that is located in Horry County, South Carolina. This city covers an area of sixteen square miles and has a population of almost thirty thousand residents. It is not only the hub of the Myrtle Beach Metro Area, but is also the hub for the Grand Strand. The Grand Strand is a network of barrier islands and beach towns that run from Georgetown to Little River, South Carolina. The area on which Myrtle Beach is located was inhabited by a tribe of Native Americans known as the Waccamaw Indians. This tribe used Little River for fishing and travel. During the eighteenth century, many settlers tried to conquer the natural habitat of the area by planting fields of tobacco and indigo. This was largely unsuccessful, as the soil is very
sandy and is not of very high quality. These settlers eventually left the area in search of better prospects and the area was largely uninhabited until after the American Revolution. After the war, the area was largely barren and George Washington explored the area extensively during his term as President. Major development of the area wouldn’t occur until after the Civil War. This is when Conway Lumber Company built the Conway and Seashore Railroad to ferry timber from the coast to other parts of the country. During the turn of the twentieth century, Joe Mercier foresaw the area as a tourist destination. He didn’t live to see his dream fulfilled, but his children took up the cause on his behalf. They built the Seaside Inn and a small community developed in the area. In 1957, the area was finally incorporated and a contest was held to name the town. It would then be decided to be named after the shrub that is native to the area, the Wax Myrtle. The town was then named Myrtle Beach.

A popular attraction in Myrtle Beach is a shopping center called Broadway at the Beach. This mall was founded in 1996 and has become one of the premier shopping destinations in the city. In 2009, over fifteen million people visited the mall, making it one of the most popular destinations in the entire region. The two hundred and fifty million dollar attraction is located on three hundred and fifty acres in the center of the city. It features one hundred shops, three hotels, three theaters and seventeen restaurants. Restaurants located here include Johnny Rockets, Planet Hollywood, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and the Hard Rock Cafe. The hotels that are located here include Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and the Fairfield Inn. Theaters include an
IMAX 3D, Palace Theater and Carmik’s Broadway Cinema. Stores that are located at Broadway at the Beach include Planet Rock N’ Roll, The Discovery Channel
Store, Build a Bear Workshop, Yankee Candle and a Disney Store. It is also home to the popular Ripley’s Aquarium. Another shopping attraction in Myrtle Beach is Barefoot Landing. Some of the stores and exhibits located in Barefoot Landing include Christmas Mouse, Carolina Vineyards Winery, Barefoot General Store, The Bone Appetit Bakery, American Vintage, Alligator Adventure, Black Market Minerals, Burlington Shoes, The Myrtle Beach Ghost Walk, House of Blues, Anything Joe’s, T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station, Alabama Theatre, Ghosts and Legends Theatre, Barefoot Landing Marina, Dr. Rootbeer’s Hall of Foam, Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, Candybarrel, Belches n’ Burps and Chico’s.

Another prominent attraction in the city of Myrtle Beach is Freestyle Music Park. This amusement park was originally opened in 2008, but was closed due to financial difficulties. It was reopened in 2009, and has since started enjoying a lot of attention from tourists. It sits on fifty-five acres of land and is situated between the Intracoastal Waterway and State Highway 501. Shows at this park include Ice Cold Country, Origins, Bohemian Rhapsody, Country on the Rocks, Malibu Beach Party,CSI Live, Kiss The Sky and Adrenaline Rush. Rides at Freestyle Music Park include The Time Machine, Led Zeppelin The Ride, Eagles-Life in the Fast Lane, All the King’s Horses, Muddin’ Monster Race, Just a Swinging and Banana Splitsville. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is another prominent amusement park in the city. It contains a number of thrill, family and children’s rides. These include Tilt a Whirls, Roller Coasters, a train, bumber cars, antique car rides, sling shots, carousels and other rides. Some of the more popular ones include The Yo-Yo, Pistolero Roundup, Kings Model T’s, Hampton Combo, 4X4 Trucks, Scrambler, Galleon Ride, Swamp Fox Roller Coaster, The Red Baron and Giant Wheel.